Question about how to protect against Chikungunya Fever.
Question: "I live in Florida. This new virus from the Caribbean is spread by mosquitoes and is now in Florida. I understand that if a mosquito bites someone with the virus and that mosquito bites you, you are in for severe arthritic symptoms, possibly for months and flu-like symptoms. What suggestions do you have to avoid this nasty new virus? Thanks. Steve."
Answer:
For your person, we suggest liberal use of mosquito repellent products whenever you go outside. Wear long sleeved shirts, long pants and socks. Avoid being outside unprotected between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes tend to swarm.
For your home and yard, here are some suggestions:
- Install a propane or electric mosquito trap in a location that will lure the mosquitoes away from your outdoor living area. Add Octenol Lure to increase the catching power. We sell units from Koolatron that are all electric, electric and propane and all propane. We also sell units from Woodstream corporation that are electric and propane and all propane. Examples include the Mosquito Magnet Independence that uses propane and batteries and the Bite Shield Guardian Mosquito Trap that uses propane with electricity to operate the capture fan.or a less expensive outdoor all electric trap choose the Koolatron Mosquito Trap Champion which is weather resistant
- Use a mosquito trap indoors such as the Bite Shield Protector which is all electric.
- Put non-toxic Mosquito Dunks into all standing water, ponds, etc. in your yard. Or use the biological Microbe Lift Biological Fountain Mosquito Control which means adding 6 drops per 100 gallons of water and works for about 14 days.
- Use passive mosquito lures such as the Oak Stump Natural Lure in your backyards away from your grill or sitting area.
- For outdoor eating areas, indoor bedrooms, etc, install a Bite Shield Wall Mounted Flying Insect and Mosquito TrapThe 4W UV black light bulb emits ultraviolet rays at the 365nm wavelength, which creates a photo catalytic reaction when it comes in contact with the Ti02 (Titanium Dioxide) coating inside the Trap. Do not use the Octenol indoors.
- Burn mosquito repelling candles when you eat indoors or out. The odors are pleasant and the Bite Shield 11 oz. Geraniol Citronella Mosquito Pillar Candle or similar candles repel without dangerous fumes. These come in buckets, pillars and more.
- Keep an electronic insect swatter like the Bite Shield Racket Zapper near by for the ones who get past your traps and repellents.
Good luck and enjoy your summer!
Thanks for the question.
Sincerely, Barbara